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Evaluating a Socially Responsible Employment Program: Beneficiary Impacts and Stakeholder Perceptions

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  • Matthew Walker

    (Texas A&M University
    Texas A&M University)

  • Stephen Hills

    (London Metropolitan University)

  • Bob Heere

    (University of South Carolina)

Abstract

Although many organizations around the world have engaged in corporate social responsibility (CSR) programing, there is little evidence of social impact. This is a problematic omission since many programs carry the stigma of marketing ploys used to bolster organizational image or reduce consumer skepticism. To address this issue and build on existing scholarship, the purpose of this study was to evaluate a socially responsible youth employability program in the United Kingdom. The program was developed through the foundation of a professional British soccer team to bolster employability and life skills for marginalized London youth. Program funding was provided by a large multinational bank as part of their CSR agenda. This evaluation was undertaken to understand the beneficiary impacts associated with program deployment. Results from the pre-intervention/post-intervention, sequential mixed-method evaluation show statistically significant differences among several “soft” beneficiary outcomes (e.g., self-esteem, self-efficacy, and perceived marketability). However, results are mixed regarding whether the “hard” outcome of employment was achieved by program participants. Qualitative findings buttress these results, indicating a high level of motivation for work, attitude enhancement, and satisfaction with program delivery.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew Walker & Stephen Hills & Bob Heere, 2017. "Evaluating a Socially Responsible Employment Program: Beneficiary Impacts and Stakeholder Perceptions," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 143(1), pages 53-70, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:143:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1007_s10551-015-2801-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-015-2801-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Matthew Walker & Bob Heere & Milena Parent & Dan Drane, 2010. "Social Responsibility and the Olympic Games: The Mediating Role of Consumer Attributions," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 95(4), pages 659-680, September.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Hills, Stephen & Walker, Matthew & Barry, Adam E., 2019. "Sport as a vehicle for health promotion: A shared value example of corporate social responsibility," Sport Management Review, Elsevier, vol. 22(1), pages 126-141.

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